The Cowboys were once again defeated in their first playoff game, but this time there’s a different feel to it. In years gone by, Tony Romo took heat over Cowboys playoff losses. This year, if Cowboys fans are looking for a scapegoat, it would have to be the Dallas defense. The offense was plenty good enough in the Cowboys 34-31 loss to the Green Bay Packers.
All that's left to do is win
Dak Prescott was outstanding in his first playoff game. Prescott’s stats were a gaudy, 24/32 for 302 yards with three touchdowns and one interception, but his presence was as impressive.
Prescott looked like he belonged on the big stage. In bringing the Cowboys back from an 18 point deficient, Prescott evoked memories of Roger Staubach. Unfortunately, the Cowboys defense didn’t remind people of the old Doom’s Day crew. Of course, Aaron Rodgers had a lot to do with that.
Forget Ginger or Mary ann, how about Rodgers or Brady
While there may be legitimate debate over who is the better quarterback, Aaron Rodgers or Tom Brady, Rodgers is the more likely one to turn a game around by himself. As a Bears fan, I’ve often been frustrated by their inability to contain Rodgers – well, the Bears aren’t alone. His 36-yardd pass completion to Jared Cook set up the game winning field goal as time expired.
Cook made a great catch on the sideline, dragging his feet as he went out of bounds.
Walk it off and get back in there
Going forward, while Sunday’s loss no doubt stung the Cowboys and their fans, their future seems exceedingly bright. Dak Prescott looks to be the real deal and he’s got plenty of weapons at his disposal. Prescott is working behind a great offensive line.
In addition, he has the most exciting running back, Ezekiel Elliott, in the NFL to carry the ball. Throwing the ball to the likes of Dez Bryant, Jason Whitten and others doesn’t hurt either. By the way, raise your hand if you knew Cole Beasley was the Cowboys leading receiver last season.
While the Dallas defense could use a little tweaking, the fact they were first in the NFL against the run shows they have some defensive talent.
With a little help with the pass defense, the Dak-Dez and Zeke Show should play to rave reviews for a few years.
What could go wrong
While the future looks like for the Boys, potential obstacles include legal problems for Ezekiel Elliott and Dez Bryant. In addition, sometimes Cowboys owner/gm Jerry Jones interjects himself into the spotlight. That’s not necessarily healthy for the team. If the Cowboys can avoid those pitfalls, they’ll be a Super Bowl contender for years to come.
All aboard the Rodgers train
As for the Packers, they’ll go as far as Aaron Rodgers can take. This year that could be as far as the Super Bowl.
